Doujin "Cosplay ROM" Events in Japan

One increasingly popular way for amateur cosplayers in Japan to expand their network, reach out to more fans AND put some yen in their pockets is to participate in "cosplay ROM" events such as Cos-Express, Cosprecious, Cosnug. and Cosholic in Tokyo and Cosplay ROM Express in Osaka. It's important to specify "doujin" here, which means fan-organized or fan-based. Although the majority of the goods being bought and sold are cosplay CD-ROMs containing photos as well as photo books, you can also find posters and even keychains, pins, badges and the occasional fashion accessory or clothing item catering to niche customers. Another service some cosplayers offer, both as a way to communicate with fans and to make additional income, is mini photo-sessions for fans who attend the event.

Earlier this month, enticed by a possible opportunity to offer our readers a look into this rapidly growing aspect of cosplay culture, our grape Japan staff attended one of the newest cosplay ROM events, called Cosnug.

Cosnug. in Akihabara, Tokyo

Overview

Conveniently located on the 5th Floor event space of the Hirose Musen Building in Akihabara, just 3 minutes away from JR and Tokyo Metro's Akihabara Station, Cosnug. is one of the easiest cosplay ROM events to attend. Here's the sign outside the building. The hand-drawn letters hint at the fan-centric nature of the event.

Those who have already attended doujin comic events such as Comic Market or Comitia will already be familiar with the setup. Several rows of tables run the length of the room, with cosplayer circles or individual participants stationed at their posts, sometimes accompanied by assistants or friends helping them with transactions and other logistics.

A fun feature of Cosnug. is your admission automatically gives you a chance to enter a lottery to win a prize. This time, lucky winners would take home one of several commemorative dustcloths printed with cosplayer photos.